A study conducted on overweight and obesity has concluded that fat cells can trigger tumor formation by excess production of hormones and other growth factors.
A new research conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), has now concluded that fat cells function like endocrine cells, secreting hormones and other growth factors into the blood. This has for the first time changed the popular belief that fat is an inert substance.
In individuals with a normal weight, physiological levels of these hormones and growth factors play a major role in the regulation of metabolism and other body processes. However in obese individuals, excess amounts of these substances are secreted and can trigger the abnormal growth and differentiation of cells, leading to tumor.It is believed that frequent cell division and replication could increase cancer risk, as the probability of a random mutation occurring is very high. Nearly 3.2% of all new cancers in 2002 were found to be related to obesity according to an estimate by United States National Cancer Institute (NCI).
A recent report published has revealed alarming results that obesity can account for 14% and 20% of all cancer related deaths in men and women respectively. From a large pool of data currently available, obesity has been found to correlate with increased risk (25-30%) for cancer of the colon, breast, endometrium (uterus), kidney and esophagus. Some less commonly associated tumors are that of the gallbladder, ovaries and pancreas.
Weight reduction seems the only sensible solution to prevent the incidence of obesity related tumors and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and stroke.
Don’t be waiting to frame a New Year resolution as even a 5-10% loss in weight can provide innumerable health benefits according to scientific experts. Any day is good day to start your weight reduction regime.
